Autism in America

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 1 in 68 children are identified with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (CDC, 2016a). Boys are nearly five times more likely (1 in 42) than girls (1 in 189) to have autism.

Studies hypothesize that the extreme male brain theory implicates the differences between the male and female ratios of autism (Baron-Cohen, 2002; Baron-Cohen & Hammer, 1997). Moreover, on average, females have a stronger drive to empathize and males have a stronger drive to systemize (Baron-Cohen, 2010). Baron-Cohen and Hammer (1997) further state that, on average, there are differences in cognitive styles between sexes that results in differential socialization and or biological predispositions in brain development.

Together with biological and genetic factors, environmental factors contribute to many causes for multiple types of autism (CDC, 2016b). Risk factors and causes for autism are not all known; however, scientists agree that:

Genes can contribute to the likelihood of a person developing ASD

Children of adult siblings with ASD have a higher predisposition of also having ASD

ASD tends to occur more in individuals with certain genetic or chromosomal conditions

Exposure to valproic acid and thalidomide inutero have been linked to ASD

There’s a greater risk of having ASD with maternal and paternal age at conception

Honu Intervention provides children and their families with professional family-centered intervention and effective care coordination between interdisciplinary team members. We offer Early Start, private, and out-of-pocket services for early intervention, behavioral support; and speech, occupational, and physical therapy.